This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Four Knights: Scotch, 4...exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4
The Four Knights: Scotch variation arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bb4. Here, Black develops the bishop to b4, putting immediate pressure on White’s knight on c3 and indirectly challenging White’s control of the center.
Characteristic of this move: The move 5...Bb4 is a pin that aims to increase tension in the center and disrupt White's smooth development. It also prepares Black to castle quickly and can lead to complex middlegame positions with tactical possibilities.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this move is somewhat attacking as it actively challenges White's central and piece coordination. For White, the usual response is to maintain or increase pressure on the center, so White’s play remains assertive and aims to capitalize on central control.
Center Control: This opening definitely involves a fight for the center. White establishes an early presence with d4 and knights developed, while Black uses the pin on the knight to contest White’s hold on the central squares. The game often revolves around who can maintain or undermine central dominance.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Four Knights: Scotch, 4...exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 24 - Move #7 black
You can also discover how top players used Four Knights: Scotch, 4...exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.